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1 Corinthians 9:19-23
We have already heard the Apostle Paul as he states in 1 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV), “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” And he also declares in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul gives us the example to follow as he strives to preach the gospel to different people in different ways, in ways that will be best understood by that particular people group. He does not force everyone to accept the gospel from one perspective but that of the individual as is best understood by them. He does not change his teaching or interpretation of the gospel but presents it in different ways that can be understood by the person or people that he is addressing. Paul goes on to tell us why he teaches in such a way as we learn in 1 Corinthians 9:22d-23, “that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”
This is an example of how we should share the gospel with others.
This is a great lesson in sharing the gospel for all of us. We cannot force others to receive the gospel message by force, but we must find a way to present it to them in a way that they will grasp and understand. We must keep in mind that we are not trying to lead ourselves to Christ Jesus, but the person that we are speaking to. We must learn what that person enjoys in life and find a way to help them relate that to the gospel. One thing that I believe we must do to be successful in sharing the gospel message with others is that we need to be received by them as a friend – a friend in Christ Jesus.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to always remember when we are sharing the gospel with others that they may not receive it in the same way as we first did. Please help us to remember to put others before us and be considerate to them as we are Your representatives in the world today and striving to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as did the Apostle Paul. In Jesus name I pray, amen.